Barratt Homes becomes Exeter College’s Employer of the Month

A local south west house builder has been recognised by Exeter College for championing apprenticeships.

Barratt Homes was awarded the title of Employer of the Month for its work with students and for appointing the UK’s first ever marketing apprentice, Barney Munn.

In addition to the new marketing role, there are 13 apprentices working towards their NVQ levels two and three at Barratt Homes across the region. They will be covering topics including carpentry with 10 bricklaying and one each in technical and commercial.

As the five star house builder celebrates its 60th anniversary it is proud to be recognised for its work with apprenticeships as well as taking them in completely a new direction.

Paul Moran, Barratt Homes managing director in Exeter, said: “We are thrilled to have been named as Employer of the Month by Exeter College, which is a valued partner. As one of the country's top developers we are absolutely committed to developing raw talent – it is after all vital to our future.

“In Exeter our professional training combines both on-site development with work in the classroom. Most importantly, our programmes allow youngsters to gain industry recognised qualifications while building invaluable connections with experienced professionals and people with specialist technical knowledge throughout the industry.

“Seeing a youngster come into the business and grow, learn new skills and take on responsibility is really satisfying. We all recognise that apprentices of today are our fellow professionals of tomorrow.”

Jenny Vince, Exeter College’s partnership and apprenticeship development manager, said: “Exeter College is delighted to work with Barratt Homes on this exciting and innovative apprenticeship initiative. The introduction of the new professional apprenticeships mean that it is ever more important for organisations to understand how apprentices can be employed in roles across the whole business.

“By employing a marketing apprentice Barratt Homes has demonstrated a commitment to training and development, not just in its technical specialism, but they are also bringing a new perspective and energy to its support services through apprenticeship training.”

For more information about apprenticeships please visit Barratt Developments’ recruitment website at www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk or the courses at Exeter College at www.exe-coll.ac.uk/1618/Courses/Apprenticeships.